Social Seens... Photography by Gram and Noraa
Florida Orchestra Gala
The third annual Gala Fundraiser for the Florida Orchestra featured the orchestra’s Music Director Michael Francis and
internationally revered violinist Itzhak Perlman. The orchestra serves as a leader and beacon for the musical arts throughout the
state of Florida by making a difference for both today’s audiences and for future generations through its community involvement
and engagement programs.
Elizabeth Elmeer attended the gala with
Bob Schmidt, a co-chair and presenting sponsor,
who pledged a $100,000 matching grant that
evening for the orchestra.
Marcy and Bob Schuck were co-chairs
of this gala that raised more than $600,000
166 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2017
for the orchestra.
Violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman
enjoyed meeting orchestra supporter
Edie Dressler during the gala dinner
that followed his performance.
Marianne and Mark Mahaffey underwrote
the dinner prepared by Chef Chris Ponte for
patrons of the gala benefit that was held in the
performance hall named for their family.
The Florida Orchestra’s Music Director
Michael Francis and his wife Cindy have
quickly become beloved members of the
Tampa Bay community.
Michael Pastreich, the Florida
Orchestra’s president and CEO, and
his wife Stephanie are proud of the
remarkable effect that his leadership
has had on the orchestra.